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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Imperial Cities Explorer

Rail journey through Vienna, Prague, Dresden and Berlin with palace tours

Illustration of Imperial Cities Explorer

The Imperial Cities Explorer, operated by Marvellous Escapes, is a 12-day tailor-made rail journey through the cultural heart of Central Europe. Beginning with a flight to Vienna, the itinerary unfolds across four cities, each connected by comfortable scenic trains. Day 2 features a tour of Schönbrunn Palace followed by a VIP classical concert with priority seating. From Vienna, you travel by rail north to Prague for three days of hop-on hop-off sightseeing and free exploration of Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. A morning train carries you through the Elbe Valley and Saxon Switzerland toward Dresden, where a guided walking tour covers the Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche. The final leg by rail reaches Berlin, where a 48-hour sightseeing pass and river cruise along the Spree complete the experience. Throughout, accommodation is in centrally located hotels with breakfast included. This trip suits couples, history enthusiasts, and independent travellers who value a blend of curated highlights and unscheduled free time.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price covers the package; all four train fares (London to Vienna outbound, Vienna to Prague, Prague to Dresden, Dresden to Berlin, Berlin to London return) are included within that price.
  • Hotels are listed as "handpicked" but specific properties are not named in the published itinerary; confirm the final accommodation tiers and locations when booking.
  • Day 4 requires independent transfer from Prague station to hotel; Days 9 and 12 also require independent arrival and departure transfers outside the private coach service, though hotel locations are described as central.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Today you'll fly from the UK to Vienna. On arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel before a restful stay in the Austrian capital.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Today, experience the grandeur of Vienna with a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, followed by a VIP classical concert with priority access, a welcome drink and front-row seating.

  3. Day 3overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Today enjoy a full day at leisure in Vienna to explore the city at your own pace, from world-class museums to the grand architecture of the Ringstrasse.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Prague

    Prague

    After breakfast, board your rail service north from Vienna to Prague, arriving in a few hours. Transfer independently to your centrally located hotel and enjoy a stroll across Charles Bridge or Prague Castle at leisure.

  5. Day 5overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Spend your first full day exploring Prague’s iconic landmarks with your hop-on, hop-off bus pass, including the famous Astronomical Clock and the Baroque Library and Mirror Chapel.

  6. Day 6overnight: Prague

    Prague

    On your second day exploring Prague, continue enjoying your 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass, from Prague Castle and Charles Bridge to the vibrant Old Town Square.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Dresden

    Dresden

    This morning, depart Prague by rail through the scenic Elbe Valley, passing sandstone cliffs near the Saxon Switzerland National Park, to elegant Dresden, renowned for its baroque architecture.

  8. Day 8overnight: Dresden

    Dresden

    Enjoy a guided small-group walking tour of historic Dresden, including the Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche and Semper Opera House.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Berlin

    Berlin

    After breakfast, board your onward rail service to Berlin, arriving in around two hours. On arrival, make your way to your centrally located hotel and explore the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag dome or the streets of Mitte.

  10. Day 10overnight: Berlin

    Berlin

    Discover Berlin at your own pace with a 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour, exploring the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and Checkpoint Charlie, plus a relaxing river cruise along the River Spree.

  11. Day 11overnight: Berlin

    Berlin

    Today is yours to experience Berlin at your own pace, perhaps the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, the museums of Museum Island, or the boutiques and cafés of Prenzlauer Berg.

  12. Day 12

    Return home

    After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Berlin Airport for your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Schönbrunn Palace tour followed by a VIP classical concert with front-row seating and welcome drink in Vienna.
  • Day 4Rail journey from Vienna north to Prague, arriving to explore Charles Bridge and Prague Castle on arrival.
  • Day 7Train ride from Prague through the scenic Elbe Valley, passing sandstone cliffs near Saxon Switzerland National Park, to Dresden.
  • Day 8Guided small-group walking tour of Dresden's baroque centre, visiting the Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche and Semper Opera House.
  • Day 1048-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour combined with a relaxing river cruise along the River Spree in Berlin.

Included

  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Vienna, Prague & Berlin with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Dresden with breakfast included
  • Flights from London to Vienna and return from Berlin
  • Schönbrunn Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert
  • Prague 48-hour, hop-on, hop-off bus tour
  • Historic Dresden small group walking tour
  • Berlin 48-hour, hop-on, hop-off bus & river cruise

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of GBP 2,699 includes flights from London to Vienna and return from Berlin, plus rail journeys connecting Vienna to Prague, Prague to Dresden, and Dresden to Berlin.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is a mix. Marvellous Escapes includes a Schönbrunn Palace tour and VIP concert in Vienna, a guided small-group walking tour in Dresden, and 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tours in Prague and Berlin. Most other time is free to explore at your own pace.
Which trains are used on this itinerary?
The evidence names no specific train operators. The itinerary states train services from Vienna to Prague, Prague to Dresden via the Elbe Valley, and Dresden to Berlin, but the named services are not specified in the published materials. Confirm the exact trains when you book.
What is included in the price?
All accommodation with breakfast, return flights from the UK, Schönbrunn Palace tour and concert in Vienna, Prague and Berlin 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing passes, a guided Dresden walking tour, a Berlin river cruise, and private transfers at Vienna and Berlin airports. Rail fares are included.
How much walking is involved?
There is moderate walking. A small-group guided walking tour covers Dresden's historic centre. In Prague and Berlin you use hop-on hop-off buses, but exploring landmarks like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island involves walking at your own pace. Vienna includes leisure days to explore on foot.
When does this trip run?
No specific departure dates are listed in the published materials. Contact Marvellous Escapes to confirm availability and your preferred travel dates.

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